Engraved and Decorative Concrete

Engraved Concrete - True Art in Concrete

If you are like most people, this would appear to be the handywork of a skilled old world stone mason. Even to touch the cobblestones and the mortar joints that encase them you would readily believe the materials to be genuine.

Actually this is the work of a skilled decorative concrete engraving artist. This particular design was performed by us around a swimming pool on concrete that was 33 years old and had no aesthetic appeal. Concrete in virtually any condition can be given new life by this process. The concrete can be transformed from a unsightly embarrassment to a work of art. Many materials can be reproduced by decorative concrete engraving such as the european fan cobblestone pictured above, herringbone brick, slate and other various sized stones. Inset engravings like the blossom pictured can be placed anywhere that they add to the visual appeal of the site. The design ideas are limited only by the imagination. Here is another decorative concrete design that we recently finished. The concrete is new and finished only with a bullfloat to create a nice rock like texture without the added expense of stamping. Pigmented stain was used and a wonderful molted effect was achieved.

How concrete engraving works

The best decorative concrete project will be achieved by planning ahead and developing a good design that will enhance the existing architecture. We can provide you with design ideas that we feel appropriate for your site or you can give us your own ideas.

With a decorative concrete design in hand, work will proceed.

• The concrete is pressure washed and if needed an acid etch will be performed to help with stain penetration.
• The concrete is colored with an acid or high quality pigmented concrete stain. At this time elements such as insets or other designs may be outlined so that other colors can be placed.
• Decorative concrete engraving is performed by the use of specialized compressed air equipment designed to quickly eat away concrete up to a depth of 1/4". The tool is operated inside of a template. Templates can be selected from numerous stock designs or we can create them in our shop as needed. At times two or more concrete engravers will be operating on larger concrete engraving projects. For some engraved concrete details we may use special diamond blades installed on an angle grinder.
• After all concrete staining and engraving is complete, an optional concrete sealer can be applied to the work for added beauty and protection of your decorative concrete project. Sealing the concrete is not absolutely necessary as is the case with stamped concrete.

In our opinion as Decorative Concrete Professionals, the process of stained and engraved concrete yields results far superior to any other method of decorative concrete. Concrete coatings and spray textures will eventually wear off. Stamped concrete if not maintained will lose its highlight color due to the nature of the material used for the color. The engraved concrete process uses permanent semi transparent chemical and pigmented concrete stains and the designs are cut into the concrete itself.

Patterns - Tiles - Insets - Boarders - Inspirational Photos

Click the links below to view a gallery of elements that will transform your dull concrete into a work of art.

• Engraved Concrete Patterns - these patterns can be used to cover an area
• Engraved Concrete Boarders - boarders can be used to frame or divide areas
• Engraved Concrete Tiles and Insets - the tiles and insets can be used as marquis and sized to use anywhere in your design
• Inspiration for Decorative Concrete Projects - check out this gallery of inspirational photos of engraved concrete designs. You may find a design that is just right for your project!

More stained & engraved concrete examples

Engraved and Stamped Concrete. A new concept in decorative concrete.

We would like to be the first to introduce you to an exciting new process in decorative concrete. We are taking engraved concrete to a whole new level by combining engraving with stamped overlay concrete. While engraved concrete alone produces extremely realistic brick, cobblestones, tile and other materials, there are certain projects that could be greatly enhanced by the introduction of stone textures. This is where the stamped overlay comes into play. Long ago we developed a overlay system for vertical and horizontal surfaces that is extremely durable. This mixture can be applied over existing concrete at 1/4" to 1/2" thick and stamped with a seamless stone texture. The overlaid concrete can be engraved into any pattern or simply left alone. Pictured below is an example of what can be accomplished with our engraved and stamped process.

This is an inspirational example of what is possible by using our engraved and stamped concrete technique. More to come on this new process.

Sample Pigmented Concrete Stain Colors

Pigmented Transparent Concrete Stain contains the highest quality, 100% acrylic resin.  This resin system offers outstanding adhesion, durability, color retention and water resistance.  It also offers resistance to wear from foot and vehicle traffic.  Pigmented Concrete Stain exhibits excellent resistance to chemicals such as brake fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil, salt water, bleach and gasoline.  This stain is also specially formulated to resist lifting from hot automobile tires.  Pigmented Transparent Concrete Stain contains a highly effective mildewcide to inhibit the growth of mildew on the stained surface.

Where to Use: Apply Transparent Concrete Stain to concrete patios, porches, steps, sidewalks, driveways, garage and basement floors and other concrete or unfinished masonry surfaces.

#6010 Adobe	#6020 Patina Green
#6030 Flagstone	#6040 Brownstone
#6050 Sandstone	#6060 Fieldstone
#6070 Slate	#6080 Terra Cotta
#6090 Coal Black	#6095 Quartz White
Or...Custom colors can be created by intermixing any combination of stains...for example:
Custom Intermix-"Teal"=two parts Flagstone to one part Patina Green.	Custom Intermix-"Rust"=two parts Terra Cotta to one part Brownstone.
( note: computer settings and resolution will effect true color, the images below are only representations of color and appearance, it is best to obtain a sample from an authorized dealer and test a small area before settling on final color selection)

Sample Concrete Acid Stain Colors

Prices for engraved concrete

While most engraved concrete projects will require a quote from us we do have designs starting at as little as $2.50 per sq.ft. Items such as multiple colors or particular stains or techniques demand higher prices. Artwork and template production for original designs can be produced by us in house. This saves money by cutting out the middle man usually involved with custom template production. On average, most of our decorative concrete staining and engraving jobs cost $4.25 per sq. ft. of area. This price reflects a complete job with a custom design. Our work flow begins with a digital photo of the areas in need of work which can be presented by the customer or taken by us. With the use of highend graphics software we then develop a design and render the design onto the image of the proposed areas so that you can see what it is going to look like even before it is completed. With some designs it is necessary for us to develop a cad drawing in order to be sure that the design will actually work, so you can always be assured that whatever we present to you will be what you get when all is finished.

If you feel that what we have to offer for your old drab concrete can revitalize your home or office, then call us today to schedule an appointment at 615/426-2677. We are confident you will be satisfied with the results. You will not be charged for anything involved with the consultation.

For more examples and ideas:

SCS Portfolio - our portfolio of achievements. view photos of some of our best works as of spring 2006.

www.ConcreteNetwork.com - view photos of our work featured by the ConcreteNetwork, the largest world wide resource for decorative concrete information.